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Post by emron on Sept 30, 2022 14:29:47 GMT 12
Rear Turret Update The damaged skin has been removed from the bowl revealing the corrosion between the lap joints. Those areas have since been blasted leaving enough metal on the side panels so they could be saved. turret_bowl_2 by Ron Wilson, on Flickr Here is the central pedestal from the turret prior to paint strip. During the disassembly process a number of bolt heads sheared and the heads of some seized screws were drilled off. A day was taken up in either driving or drilling out the remnants from the bowl and the pedestal and re-tapping where necessary. turret_pedestal by Ron Wilson, on Flickr Here are the side plates of the ammo ejection chutes awaiting repairs. chute_side_plates by Ron Wilson, on Flickr
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Post by emron on Oct 8, 2022 15:33:17 GMT 12
Recent paint strip revealed these markings on a side plate. Whoever stamped them on should be applauded for their diligence and no doubt would have been amazed to learn that their handiwork lasted so long. It’s almost a shame to paint it over again and hide away for the next 80. markings by Ron Wilson, on Flickr
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Post by emron on Nov 4, 2022 19:25:57 GMT 12
Repairs to the turret bowl are progressing well so I’ve turned my attention to the top of the cupola frame. The upper ends of two of the square tubes were badly corroded and had broken away from the little trunnion blocks that join the frames together. The tube is riveted to the block so that the correct oblique angle can be set at each of the different junctions. Here’s the first of the replacement end pieces in place and the gnarly original offered up prior to the damaged section being trimmed off. Now for the second one! That will be worst of the damage to all the square tubes fixed and they’ll soon be ready to reassemble onto the cupola frame and begin paint. cupola_frame_joint by Ron Wilson, on Flickr
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Post by emron on Nov 6, 2022 16:46:02 GMT 12
Both of those frame tips are now replaced. Once the cupola is complete they will be under the glazing and hidden behind cover plates so it’s only you and I who will know that they were ever repaired. We’ve paint stripped the U-shape base plate for the cupola and drilled out corroded rivets that had given way and no longer holding some brackets in place. The base plate is now free of paint and corrosion and ready for priming during the coming week. Meanwhile over on the DC-3, Peter has taken over where I had left off in repairs to the tail. He’s already repaired one of the stabiliser tips and now moved on to the fin tip with this admirable result. DC3_fin_tip by Ron Wilson, on Flickr Rex has completed the fabric job on the ailerons and now transferred his attention to re-installing all the aileron mounting brackets on to the trailing edge of each wing. As well he is making and replacing an assortment of small, hinged covers that should be attached to them but have corroded or been lost over time. Ably assisted by Steve with metal forming they’ve achieved equally good results here too.
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Post by emron on Nov 14, 2022 12:15:19 GMT 12
This work was under way when the tragic news broke from Dallas but hoping the update can still offer a little cheer at this sombre time. The cupola frames primed and assembled on to the repaired base plate. rebuilt_cupola_frame by Ron Wilson, on Flickr The top junction now complete. top_junction by Ron Wilson, on Flickr The first replacement panel ready to rivet on to the bowl. panel_repair by Ron Wilson, on Flickr
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MOTAT
Nov 14, 2022 17:07:39 GMT 12
Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 14, 2022 17:07:39 GMT 12
Great work Ron.
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Post by sputnik767 on Nov 15, 2022 4:27:06 GMT 12
Wow Ron, that multi angle curved skin that Steve made for you looks really great sitting on the bowl. I take a Sunday off and things happen.
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Post by emron on Nov 24, 2022 10:36:56 GMT 12
Steve has riveted on the first panel now and here’s the next curvy bit from his tin basher’s bench that closes the gap. second_panel by Ron Wilson, on Flickr The two front covers for the cupola will soon be ready for priming. The other cover strips that attach the perspex have already been done. That just leaves one strip that forms the lower edge of the cupola to be repaired. front_covers by Ron Wilson, on Flickr
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Post by emron on Dec 4, 2022 15:53:52 GMT 12
Most of the remaining interior fittings that attach the cupola to the base now have paint and corrosion removed and are ready for painting. turret_fittings1 by Ron Wilson, on Flickr Here’s the central arch frame with its bracing tubes and to the right the turret doorstep. turret_fittings2 by Ron Wilson, on Flickr
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Post by emron on Dec 23, 2022 22:27:04 GMT 12
The Workshop team finished early on Wednesday and wrapped things up for the holidays, leaving lots of jobs well advanced and ready to complete early in the new year. Grant has nearly finished the corrosion removal and strengthening work in the right-hand wheel bay of the DC-3 and the nacelle skins and exhaust pipes are now refitted. Rex and Steve have remade the assorted brackets and covers that surround the aileron attachment points on both of the DC-3 wings. Mark has begun to install the rebuilt floor panels back in the crawl way space beneath the main deck of the Hastings cockpit. Richard and Mike are redecorating the bow compartment of the Sunderland and there’s plenty of accessories to be painted and flooring still be rebuilt so they can be installed further aft. While the rear turret’s apart for an overdue 960-month service, some Christmas glitter has been applied. Its bottom up rebuild will commence soon. turret_gold1 by Ron Wilson, on Flickr turret_gold2 by Ron Wilson, on Flickr
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Post by Antonio on Dec 24, 2022 9:44:36 GMT 12
Awesome effort throught the year team. And I mean this not only for MoTaT but to the whole aviation scene out there, some amazing work being done. Had a giggle: "Richard and Mike are redecorating the bow compartment of the Sunderland" My first thought was pastel walls with matching curtains, throw rugs and hidden lighting.... And: "an overdue 960-month service". Nice. At least it never got to 1000 months. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all
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Post by emron on Dec 24, 2022 10:42:25 GMT 12
Sorry to disappoint but the budget doesn’t allow us to go overboard with the furnishings, just a clean and repaint. The only noticeable addition in the bow might be a matching set of anchor chains in silver, if Santa’s kind.
Season’s Greetings to everyone too.
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Post by corsairarm on Dec 25, 2022 14:58:21 GMT 12
What do you mean Ron. I've got a pillow at the front. I was kneeling on that when I found the shell casing.
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Post by campbellbox on Jan 15, 2023 16:50:34 GMT 12
I made my first trip to MOTAT 2 in ages today and thought I would take a few snaps for posterity. This is the updated entry with the new parking in the background. IMG_0108 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr It was an active day, so the train was running and the Avenger wing fold was operating, which I managed to miss twice. IMG_0197 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr The Lancaster had moved since my last visit and is now straight on when you first enter through a refreshed gift shop. IMG_0118 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr The P40 now has both undercarriage shrouds attached and painted. Do its roundels need tiny red dots in the centre? IMG_0114 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr IMG_0192 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr I had not seen these nice interactive screens before. The information presented is quite deep, and the one in front of the Sunderland includes a really nice 360 photo of the interior of the cockpit. IMG_0191 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr The Mosquito looks sleek as ever in silver, although I am of course enamoured of the Omaka example in wartime colours. IMG_0190 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr The Sunderland looking magnificent. I had two nice chats while I was here, one with a guide and another with a Sunderland restoration volunteer whose name I did not get, sorry! Among other things he told me a fascinating story about how the wing needed supporting with the fuel tank covers (which form part of the load bearing structure) were removed. I've said it before, but I just love the way this thing looks with the restored turret on the front. IMG_0171 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr More interactivity. I wonder how easy it is to update as exhibits are moved about. I missed the Ventura today, but it did seem slightly easier to get photos with a bit more space in the hall. IMG_0170 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr The mighty Solent. I was lucky enough to spend some of the Summer break in Aitutaki and there is a large amount of TEAL and Coral Route information around the island, including references to MOTAT. IMG_0169 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr Fast jets represent. IMG_0147 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr I want to love and respect the Hudson, but it just feels a bit meh. I think I'd like it better if it was in the nifty grey/green colours of the RNZAF museum example. IMG_0130 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr The I thought the Ceres looked like it was mostly Wirraway, and a quick look at the MOTAT website reveals when it was built it was 100% Wirraway. IMG_0158 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr I'd like to think if I was the sort of chap who owned a plane, a Gemini is the sort of sensible but suave machine in which I would tour the country... IMG_0153 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr ...until I eventually traded up to a more luxurious Lockheed model. IMG_0152 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr MOTAT 2 was pretty busy, lots of children charging around, a few older ones putting names to the aircraft for the benefit of their (no doubt highly impressed) friends. A good day out for young and old in my view.
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Post by FlyingKiwi on Jan 18, 2023 18:56:53 GMT 12
Great photos, it's been a few years since I visited, must head back soon.
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Post by planecrazy on Jan 19, 2023 10:45:34 GMT 12
Great pic's thanks for sharing, love your cheeky comments as well. The lighting is so much better than what it was, aided, I guess, by the building which look impressive in it's own right.
Is the brown cladding timber, woven cane or perhaps cardboard?
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MOTAT
Jan 19, 2023 11:27:49 GMT 12
Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 19, 2023 11:27:49 GMT 12
It's real timber.
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Post by emron on Jan 19, 2023 18:17:27 GMT 12
Here is the full set of fittings that support the rotation ring on the Sunderland’s turret, after repairs and cleaning were done. Some are in better condition than others but they will all be functioning. Most of those on the left-hand side require new ball bearings. I’ve found a local source of their modern equivalent so we should be able to complete them quite soon. This will allow us to start reassembly of the turret base once final painting is done. turret.bearings2 by Ron Wilson, on Flickr
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Post by emron on Jan 29, 2023 8:56:58 GMT 12
Following Friday’s deluge MOTAT was closed yesterday to assess for flood damage. Although it came through relatively unscathed, the Museum remains closed today (Sunday) with the threat of further rain and the Emergency advisory still in place for the region to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.
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MOTAT
Jan 29, 2023 16:15:32 GMT 12
via mobile
Post by madmax on Jan 29, 2023 16:15:32 GMT 12
Very pleasing to learn that the valuable collection has come through relatively damaged
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